Magnetic Building Trim System

ABSTRACT

A building trim system includes one or more trim members and one or more second magnetically attractive members. The magnetically attractive members are secured to a building structure, usually outside building siding. The trim members include a rear side with first magnetically attractive members attractive to the second magnetically attractive members. The trim members are attached to the building structure via magnetic forces of attraction between the first magnetically attractive members and second magnetically attractive members. The first magnetically attractive members may be magnets and the second magnetically attractive members may be pieces of metal or vice versa.

BACKGROUND

The disclosed embodiments relate to a trim system, and in particular a magnetic building trim system.

Building trim is typically installed around windows and doors to protect against water damage to the underlying building structure and/or provide an aesthetically pleasing face or surface. In the field, installation of trim can be labor intensive and time consuming. Accordingly, there is a need to provide enhanced arrangements having improved ease of installation while maintaining robust and reliable trim product configurations.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a building trim system includes a trim member with a front side and a rear side. The rear side includes one or more first magnetically attractive elements. One or more second magnetically attractive elements are fixed to a building structure. The one or more first magnetically attractive element and one or more second magnetically attractive element are magnetically attractive to one another. The trim member is configured to be attached to the building structure via attractive magnetic force between the one or more first magnetically attractive element and the one or more second magnetically attractive element.

In some embodiments, the one or more first magnetically attractive elements are magnetic members and the one or more second magnetically attractive elements are metallic members, or vice versa.

In another embodiment, a method of installing a building trim system includes a step of attaching a first magnetically attractive element to a building structure. A trim member is provided and has a rear side with one or more second magnetically attractive elements that are attractive to the first magnetically attractive element, and an opposite front side. The trim member is attached to the building structure via magnetic attractive force between the first magnetically attractive element and the one or more second magnetically attractive elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the magnetic trim system installed surrounding a door frame;

FIG. 2 shows underlying magnetically attractive members of the system secured to a building structure around a door frame;

FIG. 3 shows a front elevation view of trim members of the disclosed system;

FIG. 4 shows a rear elevation view of the trim members of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the disclosed magnetic trim system at an intermediate point during installation;

FIG. 6 shows the embodiment of FIG. 5 installed around a window frame;

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the disclosed magnetic trim system; and

FIGS. 8 and 9 show yet another embodiment of the disclosed magnetic trim system that includes a seam cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Among the benefits and improvements disclosed herein, other objects and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the following wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the figures. Detailed embodiments of magnetic building trim system are disclosed; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with the various embodiments of the invention are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase “in some embodiments” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s), although it may. The phrases “in another embodiment” and “in some other embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments may be readily combined without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”

Further, the terms “substantial,” “substantially,” “similar,” “similarly,” “analogous,” “analogously,” “approximate,” “approximately,” and any combination thereof mean that differences between compared features or characteristics is less than 25% of the respective values/magnitudes in which the compared features or characteristics are measured and/or defined.

With reference to the Figures wherein like numerals identify like elements throughout, a preferred embodiment of a magnetic building trim system 10 are disclosed. Referring now to FIG. 1, the magnetic building trim system 10 is shown surrounding a door 12. The trim system includes trim members 14 connected to strip members 16. According to some embodiments, a trim member or trim members 14 may comprise separate trim elements surrounding the door 12, for example, a lateral (i.e., horizontal) top trim element 14 c and a pair of upright (i.e., vertical) side trim elements 14 a and 14 b that fit together to form the surrounding trim. In alternate embodiments, the trim member(s) may be integrally formed as a one-piece member sized and shaped to surround the sides and top of the door 12. Additional systems 10 exist with any number of distinct trim pieces configured to be attached to the building in an abutting configuration relative to one another to form an aesthetic trim system. The trim system 10 in FIGS. 1-4 is shown relative to a door, however, in other exemplary embodiments the trim system may surround other building portions, such as a window for example (see FIGS. 5 and 6), or may be installed on an edge or corner of a building structure, or any other suitable location on a building structure. The magnetic trim system 10 can ultimately be designed for use in any portion of a building wherein trim is usually fixed, and is not limited to the specific exemplary locations depicted herein.

Referring now also to FIG. 2, strip members 16 are affixed to the building structure in operative positions around the door frame. Each of the strip members 16 in the depicted embodiment comprises an elongate shape and is configured to be attached to a portion of the building structure surrounding the door 12. In this embodiment, the strip members comprise metal strips (steel or other magnetically attractive metal), however, in alternate embodiments any suitable magnetic material may be provided or metal pieces taking different form than the depicted strips. As shown in FIG. 2, the strip members are fastened (by screws extending through openings in the strip members 16, for example) to high points of siding 18 (which may be vinyl siding, wood siding, aluminum siding, or any other suitable type of siding) on the building structure. It should be noted that while the strip members 16 are shown as being attached to the siding by screws, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the various exemplary embodiments are not necessarily so limited and that in alternate embodiments the strip members 16 may be attached to any suitable underlying building structure (such as sheet rock, paneling, plywood, etc.) by any suitable fastening or adhesive method (such as nails, epoxy, etc.). It should further be understood that even though three strip members 16 are shown in FIG. 2, in alternate embodiments any suitable number of strip members may be provided.

Referring now also to FIGS. 3 and 4, there are shown front and back sides, respectively, of the trim members 14. Each of the trim members 14 comprises a suitable size and shape and is fabricated from a plastic polymer material (such as PVC, for example), however in alternate embodiments any suitable type of trim material may be provided. As shown in FIG. 3, the front side 15 of each of the trim members 14 comprises a generally finished and/or decorative surface, as in conventional trim members. The rear side 17 of each of the trim members (shown in FIG. 4) includes a plurality of magnetic members 22 which may optionally be provided in recessed openings 20 in the trim material (such a blind holes, for example) sized and shaped appropriately. In this embodiment, the magnetic members 22 comprise round magnets, however in alternate embodiments any shape or type of magnetic members may be provided. In one exemplary embodiment the magnets have a diameter of approximately 1.25 inches and thickness of approximately 0.125 inches, but this is in no way limiting to the inventive scope. Additionally, the magnetic members 22 may be substantially equidistantly spaced along the corresponding trim member 14 (such as sixteen inches on center, for example), however in alternate embodiments any suitable spacing may be provided.

The trim members 14 are configured such that the magnetic members 22 in the rear are aligned with the strip members 16 when the trim members 14 are placed around the corresponding building portion (the door 12 in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example). With the magnetic members 22 aligned with the metal strip members 16, the trim system 10 is configured such that trim members 14 are removably attachable to the underlying building structure via the magnetic force of attraction between the magnetic members 22 and the metal strip members 16.

Referring to FIGS. 5-6, there is shown a second embodiment of a trim system 110, including a trim member 114 magnetically attached to a building structure around a window 124. In this embodiment, the trim member 114 is a single piece sized and shaped to surround the window 124. Like the earlier embodiment of the trim system 10 configured for a door, the system 110 may include several separate complimentary trim pieces that combine to surround the window 124.

As shown in FIG. 5, an installer has already fastened a metallic strip member 116 to the building structure, i.e., on the exterior of the siding 18. Also as shown, an installer is aligning the trim member 114 with the window 124 such that the magnetic members 122 on the rear face 117 are aligned with the strip members 116 just like the earlier embodiment for use with a door (magnetic members not visible in view of FIG. 5, but are indicated generally by the broken lead line 122). Once the magnetic members 122 contact the secured metal strip members 116, the trim member 114 is attached to the underlying building structure (i.e. the siding 118) surrounding the window 124 and held in place by the magnetic force between the magnetic members 122 and the strip members 116, as shown in FIG. 6. Note, the magnetic members 122 and metal strip members 116 are concealed behind the trim 114 in FIG. 6. Like the earlier embodiments, the front side 115 typically has a decorative or at least aesthetically pleasant finished appearance.

The specific embodiment of the window trim system 110 in FIGS. 5 and 6 depicts a single piece trim member 114. As with the earlier described embodiment for a door 12, the trim member 114 for the window 112 may be formed from separate trim elements, such as a pair of horizontal trim elements and a pair of vertical trim elements or a pair of L-shaped trim elements that combine to form a rectangular shape circumscribing the window 124. Additionally, individual elements that form the strip members may be cut to length to accommodate different sized windows or other fixtures.

While various exemplary embodiments have been described in connection with the trim member(s) comprising magnetic members so as to be aligned opposite the metallic strip members on the building structure, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the various exemplary embodiments are not necessarily so limited and that in alternate embodiments the relative configuration may be reversed. That is, magnetic members may be attached to the building structure and the metallic strip members may be attached to the trim members. Further, the metallic elements need not be provided in the form of a singular elongate strip of metallic material. Separate and distinct metallic elements such as metallic blocks or discs may be used in place of the strips. Additionally, in other alternate embodiments any suitable configuration where trim members are attached to an underlying building structure via magnetic forces may be provided.

Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown another embodiment of a trim member 214 similar to the trim members shown in the previous figures, however in this embodiment the trim member 214 further includes magnetic members 222 (or metallic member(s), such as a metal strip or fasteners) at an end portion 226 of the trim member 214. The magnetic members 222 or metallic members are suitably spaced along the end edge 226 of the trim member 214 so as to be aligned with corresponding members 228 of a connecting end trim member 230. Understandably, if the members in the end portion 226 of the rim member 214 are magnets, then the end trim member 230 will be fit with a metallic member or members, and vice versa. According to some embodiments, the corresponding members 228 comprise round magnets similar to the magnetic members 22 and 122. In other embodiments, the corresponding members 228 comprise magnetically attractive fasteners (such as the head of a metal screw, for example) at the end portion of the connecting trim member 230. Still further, metal strips may be secured to one of the respective end edges, 226 or 232, with magnetic elements secured to the other respective end edge.

Similar to the connection via magnetic forces in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-6, the trim member 214 and the connecting end trim member 230 may be connected and held in place via magnetic forces between the magnetic members 222 and the corresponding members 228. Ultimately, the connecting end trim member 230 is placed on the end 226 of the trim member 214 such that the magnetic members 222 (in one of the trim member or end trim member) are in contact with the corresponding members 228 (in the other one of the trim member or end trim member). Once the magnetic members 222 are in contact with the corresponding members 228, the trim member 214 is attached to the connecting end trim member 230 and held in place by the attractive magnetic forces between them, around a building fixture such as a door or window. Note that the magnetic members 222 in the end edge 226 of the trim member 114 are hidden from view and shown representatively with a broken lead line 222.

According to various exemplary embodiments it should be understood that any additional suitable method for connecting a trim member 214 to the connecting end trim member 230 may be provided (i.e. in addition to magnetic forces). For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the trim member 214 may be a mantel piece for placement on top of a door and the connecting member 230 may be an end cap for the mantel piece, wherein glue (or another suitable adhesive) is provided at an end edge 232 of the end cap 230 (or in other embodiments glue may be provided at the mating end 226 of the mantel piece 214 or both). Once the end cap 230 and the mantel piece 214 are in contact and magnetically attracted to one another with glue therebetween, the mantel piece 214 will attached to the end cap 230 and held in place by a combination of the magnetic and adhesive forces.

It should be noted that although FIG. 7 shows a configuration wherein the trim member 214 is being connected to the corresponding member 230, other configurations where two trim members are connected to each other in a similar fashion are also envisioned. It should further be understood that although various figures show the trim member(s) attached around a door or window, these configurations are shown as non-limiting examples and similar installations could be provided for mounting the trim around other building structures and fixtures.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the trim members 14, 114, 224 or separate trim elements that form the trim members may be provided in pieces of predetermined lengths which can be cut to an appropriate length for a given installation. In other embodiments the trim members are fabricated to be sized and shaped so as to arrive on the job site ready for installation.

FIGS. 8 and 9 depict an embodiment of a trim system that includes a keystone seam covering member 340 configured to mate with the surface(s) of trim elements 314 d and 314 e to conceal an open seam 342 therebetween. With reference to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, multiple trim elements like those shown as reference numerals 314 d and 314 e will be aligned end to end to form a longer length and may have a small, but visible seam 342 between adjacent end edges, 344 and 346. As shown in FIG. 9, the keystone 340 is positioned over the respective end edges, 344 and 346 with the seam 340 concealed behind it to achieve an improved aesthetic appearance. Additionally, seams can develop or grow larger due to thermal contraction of the trim elements 314 d and 314 e. For example, if a trim assembly is installed in relatively warmer weather with edges tightly abutting one another and possibly no visible seam, when the weather gets cooler, the trim materials often contract, resulting in a visible seam. The keystone 340 is configured to conceal such a seam. The keystone 340 may simply be glued in place or may also include magnetically attractive elements, or be attached with a combination thereof.

It should be understood that components of the invention can be operationally coupled or connected and that any number or combination of intervening elements can exist (including no intervening elements). The connections can be direct or indirect and additionally there can merely be a functional relationship between components.

Still further, while the depicted embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 show a system wherein a metal strip is attached flat to a building structure surface that attaches to magnetic elements in the rear side of trim members, other embodiments exist. For example, an embodiment exists that utilizes L-shaped brackets secured to a building structure that mate with magnetic elements in a top, bottom or side edge of trim members. Such embodiments may additionally include magnetic elements in the rear of the trim members for added strength.

It should further be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A building trim system comprising: a trim member having a front side and a rear side with one or more first magnetically attractive elements on the rear side; and one or more second magnetically attractive elements fixed to a building structure, wherein the one or more first magnetically attractive element and one or more second magnetically attractive element are magnetically attractive to one another, and the trim member is configured to be attached to the building structure via attractive magnetic force between the one or more first magnetically attractive element and the one or more second magnetically attractive element.
 2. The building trim system of claim 1, wherein the one or more first magnetically attractive element is a magnetic member and the one or more second magnetically attractive element is a metallic member.
 3. The building trim system of claim 1, wherein the one or more first magnetically attractive element is a metallic member and the one or more second magnetically attractive element is a magnetic member.
 4. The building trim system of claim 3, wherein the one or more second magnetically attractive elements is a plurality of magnetic members substantially equidistantly spaced from one another on the rear side of the building trim member.
 5. The building trim system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more second magnetically attractive member is a strip of metal configured to be fastened to the building structure.
 6. The building trim system of claim 1, wherein the trim member is configured to surround at least a portion of a window.
 7. The building trim system of claim 1, wherein the trim member is configured to surround at least a portion of a door.
 8. The building trim system of claim 1, wherein the front side of the trim member has a decorative appearance.
 9. The building trim system of claim 1, wherein the trim member has an unfinished outer side edge with a third magnetically attractive element, comprising an end trim member with an inner side edge having one or more fourth magnetically attractive elements attractive to the third magnetically attractive element.
 10. The building trim system of claim 1, wherein the trim member is formed from a pair of trim elements configured to be attached to the building structure with adjacent edges abutting one another.
 11. The building trim system of claim 10, further comprising a seam cover member configured to attach to the building structure over the respective adjacent edges of the trim elements.
 12. The building trim system of claim 1, wherein the trim member comprises a plurality of separate trim elements, each having a front side and a rear side with one or more first magnetically attractive elements on the rear side that combine to form the trim member.
 13. The building trim system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of trim elements comprises at least one laterally extending trim element and at least one longitudinally extending trim element that is attached to the building structure substantially perpendicular or oblique to the laterally extending trim element.
 14. A method of installing a building trim system, comprising: attaching a first magnetically attractive element to a building structure; providing a trim member having a rear side with one or more second magnetically attractive elements that are attractive to the first magnetically attractive element, and an opposite front side; and attaching the trim member to the building structure via magnetic attractive force between the first magnetically attractive element and the one or more second magnetically attractive elements.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first magnetically attractive element is a metal strip secured to the building structure and the one or more second magnetically attractive elements are magnets.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the trim member is attached circumscribing at least a portion of a window or door in the building structure.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the front side has a decorative finish.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the first magnetically attractive element is a metal strip secured to an outer portion of the building structure.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the trim member is formed from multiple trim elements, each trim element having a rear side with one or more second magnetically attractive elements that are attractive to the first magnetically attractive element. 